Apple Cranberry Streusel Custard Pie

🥧🍎🍒🥚🍽️

Apple Cranberry Streusel Custard Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of sweet apples, tart cranberries, a creamy custard filling, and a crunchy streusel topping. It’s a perfect blend of fruity, creamy, and crunchy textures that make it a favorite during the fall and holiday seasons.

History:
The exact origins of this specific pie are not well-documented, but it draws inspiration from various traditional pie recipes. Apple pie, for example, has a long history in American cuisine, dating back to the early colonial period when European settlers brought apple trees to North America. Cranberries, native to North America, have been used in cooking by indigenous people for centuries. Custard pies also have a rich history, with variations in different cuisines around the world.

Components:

1. Pie Crust: You’ll need a pre-made or homemade pie crust as the base.
2. Apple Filling: Sliced apples, usually a combination of sweet and tart varieties, mixed with cranberries, sugar, spices (like cinnamon and nutmeg), and a bit of cornstarch or flour to thicken the filling.
3. Custard Filling: A creamy custard made from eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract.
4. Streusel Topping: A crumbly mixture of flour, sugar, butter, and sometimes nuts or oats for added texture.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Prepare the Pie Crust:

   • Roll out the pie dough and line a pie pan with it. Crimp the edges or decorate as desired.
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Make the Apple Cranberry Filling:

   • Peel, core, and slice the apples.
   • In a bowl, mix the apple slices, cranberries, sugar, spices, and cornstarch/flour until the fruit is coated evenly.
   • Spread this mixture over the pie crust.

3. Prepare the Custard:

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
   • Pour the custard mixture evenly over the apple and cranberry filling.

4. Prepare the Streusel Topping:

   • In yet another bowl, combine flour, sugar, and cold butter. Use a fork or your fingers to blend the mixture until it forms crumbly streusel.

5. Add the Streusel Topping:

   • Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the custard layer.

6. Bake:

   • Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-55 minutes or until the filling is set, and the streusel is golden brown.

7. Cool and Serve:

   • Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing and serving. You can serve it at room temperature or slightly chilled, and it’s often enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Time Needed:
The preparation time for this pie may vary, but it typically takes about 30 minutes to prepare the ingredients and assemble the pie. Baking time is around 45-55 minutes, and you should allow additional time for cooling. So, in total, you can expect it to take around 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours from start to finish.

Enjoy your delicious Apple Cranberry Streusel Custard Pie! 🥧🍎🍒🥚🍽️

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for an average slice of Apple Cranberry Streusel Custard Pie:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per slice):

• Calories: 350-400 calories
• Total Fat: 15-20 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 6-8 grams
• Cholesterol: 50-60 mg
• Sodium: 150-200 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
  • Sugars: 30-40 grams
• Protein: 4-6 grams

Health Information:

1. Calories: This pie is moderately high in calories, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as a treat rather than a regular dessert.

2. Total Fat: The fat content primarily comes from the butter in the streusel topping and the egg yolks in the custard. While fats are essential for flavor and texture, consuming too much saturated fat can be unhealthy.

3. Cholesterol: The custard in the pie contains cholesterol due to the egg yolks. While dietary cholesterol is less of a concern for many people than previously thought, those with specific dietary restrictions or health concerns should be mindful of their cholesterol intake.

4. Sodium: The sodium content is relatively low, which is generally a good thing for heart health.

5. Total Carbohydrates: The majority of the carbohydrates come from sugars, both natural sugars from the fruits and added sugars. Consuming too much added sugar can contribute to various health issues, including weight gain and dental problems.

6. Dietary Fiber: The pie contains a modest amount of dietary fiber from the fruit and crust, which is beneficial for digestion.

7. Protein: While this pie provides some protein, it’s not a significant source. Protein is essential for muscle maintenance and overall health, but this dessert is primarily a source of carbohydrates and fats.

In summary, while Apple Cranberry Streusel Custard Pie can be a delicious and enjoyable dessert, it’s best enjoyed in moderation due to its relatively high calorie and sugar content. If you have specific dietary concerns or restrictions, you may want to adjust the recipe or portion size to better align with your health goals.